Zimbabwe’s opposition and civil society groups have intensified criticism of proposed constitutional amendments after the Senate overwhelmingly approved measures that could keep President Emmerson Mnangagwa in office until 2030.
The controversial bill secured the backing of 75 senators, with only four voting against it, following its earlier passage in the National Assembly where 216 lawmakers supported it and 42 opposed.
The amendments, which critics have described as a threat to democratic governance, now await final procedural approval in the National Assembly before being signed into law by President Mnangagwa.
At the centre of the debate is a proposal to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. If enacted, the measure would effectively prolong Mnangagwa’s final constitutionally permitted term by two years, allowing him to remain in office until 2030.
The bill also seeks to transfer the power to choose the country’s president from voters to Parliament, ending the system of direct presidential elections introduced in 1987.
Opposition leaders argue that the changes will further strengthen the grip of the ruling Zanu-PF party, which has governed Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.
Former senator David Coltart said the amendments violate key constitutional provisions, including citizens’ right to elect public officials, and should therefore be subjected to a national referendum.
He indicated that opponents would continue pursuing legal action despite a recent Constitutional Court ruling that dismissed an earlier challenge to the bill.
Civil society organisations and democracy advocates have also expressed concern over the proposed changes. Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono warned that the legislation could significantly reduce the prospects of political power changing hands outside the ruling party.
Musa Kika, Director of the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, urged opponents to continue challenging the legislation through the courts, arguing that judicial scrutiny remains important for constitutional accountability.
The government, however, has defended the amendments, saying they will promote political stability and ensure continuity in implementing national development programmes.
Authorities have also maintained that public consultations conducted through hearings and written submissions demonstrated broad support for the reforms.
Human rights organisations have raised concerns over reports of intimidation and violence against individuals campaigning against the amendments. Human Rights Watch earlier alleged that opponents had faced harassment, threats and physical attacks in recent months.
Mnangagwa, who assumed power in 2017 following the military-backed removal of former president Robert Mugabe, was elected to two five-year terms in 2018 and 2023. The proposed constitutional changes have become one of the most divisive political issues in Zimbabwe, drawing sharp debate over the future of the country’s democratic institutions.
